NYC Elevator Reservation Guide for Moving Day
If you're moving into or out of an NYC apartment building with elevators, you almost certainly need an elevator reservation. Missing this step can delay your move by hours — or force a reschedule entirely. Here's everything you need to know.
What Is an Elevator Reservation?
An elevator reservation is a dedicated time block — typically 3 to 6 hours — when the building assigns one elevator exclusively for your move. During this window, the elevator is padded and protected, and other residents use the remaining elevators. This system prevents damage to the building and keeps moves orderly.
Most NYC buildings with more than one elevator require a reservation. Even some single-elevator buildings require advance scheduling so they can notify other residents. The reservation is usually coordinated through the building's management company, superintendent, or managing agent.
Which Buildings Require Elevator Reservations?
Almost Always Required
- Co-op buildings (most of Manhattan, parts of Brooklyn & Bronx)
- Condo buildings with doormen or management
- Luxury rental buildings
- High-rise buildings (10+ floors)
May or May Not Require
- Small rental buildings (6-10 units)
- Walk-up buildings with a service elevator
- Newer developments with move-in coordinators
Pro tip: Always check with your building management as soon as you sign a lease or list your apartment. Even if you think a reservation isn't required, confirming avoids surprises on moving day.
Elevator Reservation Timeline
Follow this timeline to ensure your elevator reservation is confirmed without delays:
4-6 Weeks Before Move
Contact building management to ask about move-in/move-out procedures, required documents, and available dates.
3-4 Weeks Before Move
Submit your elevator reservation request with your preferred date and time window. Provide your moving company's name and contact info.
2-3 Weeks Before Move
Request a COI (Certificate of Insurance) from your moving company. Provide them with the building management's name, address, and any specific insurance requirements.
1-2 Weeks Before Move
Submit the COI to building management. Confirm your reservation time block. Ask about loading dock access, freight elevator location, and any building-specific rules.
2-3 Days Before Move
Confirm everything one final time. Get the super's phone number. Verify what time you can start and when you must finish.
Certificate of Insurance (COI) Requirements
A COI is the single most important document for your NYC move. Without it, most buildings will refuse to let your movers in — regardless of your elevator reservation.
What a COI Must Include
- Moving company's name, address, and policy number
- General liability coverage (typically $1M minimum)
- Workers' compensation coverage
- Building management company listed as "additional insured"
- Valid dates covering your move date
Move Day Elevator Access Tips
⏰ Arrive on Time
Your elevator window is fixed. If you're booked 9 AM - 3 PM, your movers should arrive at 8:45 AM to check in with the super and start padding the elevator promptly at 9. Late arrivals eat into your window — the building won't extend it.
📋 Have Documents Ready
Bring copies of your COI, elevator reservation confirmation, and building contact info. The super or doorman will check these before letting movers proceed. Digital copies on your phone work as backup.
🚛 Know the Loading Area
Ask building management in advance where the moving truck should park. Some buildings have underground loading docks, others use the front entrance or a service entrance. Getting this wrong wastes precious elevator time.
🔑 Freight vs. Passenger Elevator
Many buildings designate the freight elevator for moves. It's larger and avoids disrupting residents. If your building only has passenger elevators, expect more trips and plan for a longer time window. Ask in advance which elevator you'll use.
How Movd Handles Elevator Reservations
When you book through Movd, we take the elevator reservation headache off your plate:
COI within 48 hours — all our movers provide COIs at no extra charge, formatted to your building's requirements
Building coordination — our movers communicate directly with supers and management companies they've worked with before
On-time guarantee — crews arrive early to check in and start on schedule
Elevator padding included — professional padding and protection materials for the elevator are standard with every move